The Council meeting on Wednesday 16 September 2026 saw extensive debate on street cleaning standards, with the opposition criticising the current administration's performance and the administration defending its record and outlining its plans. Councillors also debated and ultimately adopted the Council Plan 2026-2030, a strategic document outlining the council's priorities for the next four years. Significant discussion also took place regarding proposed amendments to the council's constitution to align with new national planning delegation regulations.

Decline in Street Cleaning Standards

The meeting featured a lengthy debate on the decline of street cleaning standards following the change in administration. Councillor Laura Davenport, speaking for the opposition, criticised the current Conservative administration for removing street cleaners and failing to address issues such as overflowing bins, litter, and fly-tipping, particularly during the hottest summer on record. She argued that the administration had not presented a clear plan to improve these services and accused them of hypocrisy for criticising previous Labour administration's performance while failing to deliver improvements themselves.

Councillor Maria Alexandrou, Cabinet Member for Environment, strongly refuted the claims, stating that no staff had been let go and that the core street cleansing team remained intact. She highlighted the recruitment of 28 permanent full-time staff, the installation of new litter bins, the doubling of waste cameras, and increased enforcement actions. She also criticised the previous Labour administration's handling of waste services, including fortnightly bin collections. Councillor Alexandrou presented a briefing paper detailing the end of a temporary, six-month contract for additional staff funded by the previous administration, which had cost nearly £1 million.

Other councillors contributed to the debate, with the Green Party raising concerns about the accuracy of cleaning documents and the effectiveness of supervisors. Councillor Kiran Mistry, in his maiden speech, defended the administration's actions, stating that residents had voted for change due to perceived neglect under Labour. Councillor Ian Barnes also spoke, acknowledging the importance of clean streets but questioning the administration's approach. Councillor Sarah Jons, speaking for the Green Party, highlighted the years of neglect and the need for accurate data. Councillor Abdul Abdullahi argued that the opposition's motion was not serious scrutiny but an attempt to rewrite Labour's record. Councillor Lee Chamberlain supported the administration, stating that transforming an organisation takes time and that the opposition's claims were untrue. Councillor Doug Taylor, speaking for the Labour group, reiterated their concerns about the lack of a clear plan and the removal of street cleaners. Councillor Alessandro Georgiou, Leader of the Council, concluded the debate for the administration, stating that the opposition's claims were fake news and that the administration was taking action.

Ultimately, the Council voted to agree the majority group's response to the opposition's motion, indicating a rejection of the opposition's specific proposals.

Council Plan 2026-2030 Adopted

Councillors debated and subsequently adopted the Council Plan 2026-2030, titled Delivering for Enfield. Councillor Alessandro Georgiou, Leader of the Council, presented the plan, highlighting its seven core commitments: a cleaner, greener, safer, thriving, stronger, more affordable, and connected Enfield. He emphasised that the plan was not merely a document but a strategic compass for the council, aiming to deliver tangible change for residents and live within the council's means.

Councillor Tim Leaver, speaking for the Labour group, expressed disappointment with the plan, describing it as a thin document and a wasted opportunity that lacked detail and action. He criticised its broad nature and what he perceived as hypocrisy, particularly regarding housing and environmental projects. Councillor Madeline Church, representing the Green Party, noted the absence of any specific mention of a strategy to counter violence against women and girls, despite women making up over 50% of the borough's population. She commended the overall strategy but called for the inclusion of specific targets and a clearer focus on this issue.

Councillor Joanne Laban spoke in support of the plan, highlighting its robust scrutiny process and the inclusion of suggestions from councillors across parties. She particularly welcomed the commitment to protecting the green belt and the focus on cleaning streets and recycling. Councillor Susan Erbil, while acknowledging the positive aims, felt the plan lacked sufficient detail, particularly in housing, and called for clearer financial commitments and targets. Councillor Chris Dey, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, congratulated Councillor Mistry on his maiden speech and reiterated the administration's commitment to delivering on its promises, including cleaner streets and weekly bin collections. Councillor Sarah Jons, for the Green Party, welcomed the direction of travel but stressed the need for measurable outcomes and accountability, highlighting the absence of specific targets for areas like air quality and SEND provision. Councillor Alev Cazimoglu argued that the plan was more of a wish list than a concrete strategy, particularly concerning children's services, and called for specific, measurable outcomes. Councillor James Bone supported the plan, emphasising its focus on delivery and working with residents. Councillor Lee Chamberlain also spoke in support, highlighting the plan's commitment to transparency and accountability. Councillor Alev Cazimoglu raised concerns about health inequalities and the proposed 50/50 split between east and west, arguing for targeted investment. Councillor Michael Rye OBE, Deputy Leader, concluded for the administration, reiterating the commitment to delivering on manifesto pledges and highlighting the importance of economic growth and connectivity.

The Council Plan was ultimately agreed by the chamber.

Amendments to the Constitution Approved

The Council agreed to amendments to its Constitution concerning the national scheme of delegation for planning functions. Councillor Michael Rye OBE, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Planning and Regeneration, explained that these changes were necessary to comply with the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 and associated regulations, which mandate a national scheme for planning decisions. He expressed regret that these changes, which he felt reduced local democratic oversight, were being imposed by the government.

Councillor Rye outlined that the new regulations would mean that officers would decide on most planning applications, with only a small number of larger or more complex applications being referred to the Planning Committee. He noted that the ability for councillors to call in applications based on resident concerns would be significantly curtailed, with the final decision on referral resting with an officer and a nominated member.

Councillor Bambos Charalambous, seconding the motion, supported the government's aim of focusing committee time on more significant applications, stating that it made sense for planning committees to concentrate on major developments and proposals with a real impact on communities. He believed the proposal struck a balance between democratic accountability and efficient decision-making.

The amendments to the Constitution were agreed by the Council.

Other Business

The Council also agreed to the Scrutiny Annual Work Programmes for 2026/27, which outline the topics that the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and its panels will examine throughout the year. Motions were debated and voted upon, including one supporting Nature's Rights which was defeated, and another on water sustainability which was agreed. A motion supporting emergency services was also agreed. The Council also confirmed committee memberships and nominations to outside bodies.

During the question and answer session, several issues were raised, including concerns about e-bike and e-scooter use, the administration's financial management, support for stroke survivors, resilience and contingency planning, the delivery of police hubs, SEND provision, the condition of temporary accommodation, and the future of high streets. The Cabinet Member for Environment, Councillor Maria Alexandrou, addressed concerns about pavement cleaning and fly-tipping, stating that jet washing would resume once drought restrictions were lifted and that enforcement actions were ongoing. The Cabinet Member for Housing and Technology, Councillor Lee Chamberlain, responded to questions about temporary accommodation and controlled parking zones. The Cabinet Member for Licensing, Councillor Elisa Morreale, addressed concerns about vape and betting shops. The Cabinet Member for Children's Services, Councillor Chris Dey, responded to questions about school closures and coordinated support for families. The Cabinet Member for Council Assets & Culture, Councillor Edward Smith, provided an update on improvements to Jubilee Park. The Leader of the Council, Councillor Alessandro Georgiou, addressed questions regarding his dual roles and the administration's approach to community safety.

The meeting concluded with the noting of the date of the next Council meeting.